368. Telegram 1140 from Geneva1
1140. From Johnson.
Presumably at next meeting Wang will have prepared statement commenting on renunciation force proposal I introduced yesterday. I will reply as appropriate reiterating arguments already made. Believe my attitude should be one of willingness consider reasonable amendments in preamble of first four paragraphs but complete firmness on paragraphs 6 and 8.
While statement on implementation will somewhat depend on developments in Peiping and views of UK, in general, believe I should place major emphasis on release and if brought up keep O’Neill’s difficulties in functioning in secondary position. Believe there is some advantage to us in present trend of having O’Neill’s functions develop into UK–PRC controversy.
If Wang makes statement on trade I would avoid substantive discussion but might ask any questions that would seem useful.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/11–1155. Secret.↩